ABSTRACT
Background: Hydrocephalus had for long been one of the most important diseases in neurosurgery due to its abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricular system. Standard shunting techniques are effective, but have been plagued by long-term complications including infection, failure, and dependence. Neuroendoscopic surgery had developed as a minimally invasive option, with the benefits of direct visualization, lower morbidity and the possibility of shunt independence.
Objective: This study sought to assess the methods and clinical results in hydrocephalic patients.
Methods: This was a conducted study at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, from April 2024 to March 2025 Methods: Ninety patients were enrolled in this study who were diagnosed with hydrocephalus and underwent neuroendoscopic surgery. Data had been collected regarding demographics, surgical techniques (endoscopic third ventriculostomy, cyst fenestration), intraoperative findings, postoperative complications, and clinical outcomes. Symptomatic relief, need for repeat procedure/grading and functional outcomes were assessed at follow up.
Results: 90 patients, 52 (57.8%) male, 38 (42.2%) female, mean age 27.6 ± 12.4 years, The most commonly performed procedure was endoscopic third ventriculostomy (68.9%), followed by cyst fenestration (21.1%) and aqueductoplasty (10%). Seventy-eight patients achieved successful symptomatic relief (86.7%), and 12 patients (13.3%) subsequently required shunt placement for in unsuccessful CSF diversion. During the operation complications were transient memory disturbances (7.8%), infection (5.6%), and minor intraoperative bleeding (4.4%). Overall, 81 (90%) patients had shown good functional outcomes at six months follow-up.
Conclusion: The results of the investigation revealed that neuroendoscopic surgery is a safe and optimal treatment of Hydrocephalus with high success rates and low dependency on shunt procedures. Although there were some postoperative complications, the long-term outcomes had been generally good, on the basis of which Neuroendoscopic was recommended as 1 of the first-line interventions in specific patients.
Keywords: Hydrocephalus, Neuroendoscopic, Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy, Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, Clinical Outcomes.